Rwanda Introduces Demerit Point System for Drivers; Cross-Border Drivers Exempt

Kigali, January 14, 2026 - Rwanda is set to implement a new electronic demerit point system to monitor drivers’ behavior on the roads, but drivers of cross-border vehicles will not be affected. According to Alfred Byiringiro, Senior Technical Advisor in charge of transport at the Ministry of Infrastructure, the system will apply only to driving licenses issued in Rwanda and those issued abroad but held by permanent residents. Drivers temporarily transiting through Rwanda, such as those transporting goods across borders, will not be registered in the system. “We have drivers who transit Rwanda temporarily, making multiple trips with cross-border vehicles. It is not possible to register these people. However, if someone chooses to stay in Rwanda, their license is registered and the points system is applied,” Byiringiro explained. The new law, pending presidential approval, will be accompanied by a ministerial decree defining traffic offenses, penalties, and the number of points deducted for each violation. Key provisions of the system include: Every licensed driver starts with 15 points, which are deducted depending on the severity of offenses. Minor offenses may result in 2 to 6 points being deducted, while serious offenses such as hit-and-run may incur an additional six-point penalty. Points are reset annually, with deductions applied for offenses committed during the year. If a driver cannot be immediately identified, points will be assigned to the vehicle number and applied to the driver once identified. Drivers with suspended or revoked licenses are prohibited from driving in Rwanda, even with a foreign-issued license. Suspended licenses are reinstated after the period expires, while revocations are carried out by a court upon request from road safety authorities. Byiringiro noted that the government hopes neighboring countries will adopt similar systems to harmonize cross-border road safety regulations.